When it comes to communication between parents and college students, there is an unspoken norm that there are just things all students say to their parents during this season of life.
As a college student myself, I can say firsthand that there are some things students say to their parents simply because it’s the ideal response. Parents don’t need to know that we’re actually just trying to survive college.
So, to cover it up and pretend everything’s okay, these are some of the things we say to our parents to pacify them:
1. "Classes are going well."
Are classes actually ever going well? Sure, we take some classes we like or find interesting, but when are classes ever “good?” Studying for multiple exams, trying to write two papers, as well as doing research all in a short span of time typically isn't “fun.
2. "The semester is going great."
Because we’re dealing with classes, meetings, assignments, social lives, and trying to get at least some sleep, semesters are typically stressful. Now, this isn't to say some semesters aren’t better than others, because they are, but usually halfway through, when we tell our parents the semester is going great, it’s probably an exaggeration.
3. "Yes, Mom, I’m getting enough sleep."
Because three hours of sleep qualifies as “enough,” right?
4. "Yes, Dad, my grades are where they should be."
We have up until finals to work on our final grades. So, in the meantime, exact grades don’t need to be disclosed—especially if we’re at risk of getting lectured at—a lecture that we don’t get credit for.
5. "I’m going to get some work done tonight."
This is code for the idea that we will find a time and a way to get the work done. But tonight? Work can wait. We want to have a good time with our friends while we have the chance.
6. "Yeah, Mom. I’m eating three square meals a day."
Okay, so it’s more like one or two meals plus study snacks and all the coffee. Healthy diets are so overrated.
7. "The exam went well."
It’s more like the exam went. Whether it went well or not remains to be seen. But in the meantime, we’ll tell our parents it went well to appease them.
8. "Yeah, Mom, I’m taking care of myself."
Just be thankful, parents, that we’re alive and able to have this conversation without falling asleep in the middle of it. We’re surviving just fine.
9. "I’ve thought about life after graduation a little bit."
Oh, we think about it. But for students like me, when think about it, we freak out because we can only hope we’ll land a job that we couldn't have gotten without our degree. And lastly…
10. "I'm Okay."
At the end of the day, we’re tired and have work to do, but we also really are okay. Even though we're exhausted, we’re also having the time of our lives and we wouldn't have it any other way.
So, parents of college students, yes, there is a reason why we always have the same answers to your questions, but ultimately, we’re looking out for both yours and our best interests. College is a need-to-know basis, and its better that way.
